"Your message of hatred is not welcome": Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council speaks out ahead of planned far-right protest in the city

The leader of Brighton & Hove City Council has issued a warning to far-right groups reportedly planning to travel to the city this weekend, urging them to stay away and saying their “message of hatred is not welcome”.

Councillor Bella Sankey said the planned demonstration on Saturday was intended to “stir up division” and described it as “unpatriotic”, stressing that Brighton & Hove’s identity is rooted in diversity and inclusion.

In a statement shared via the council’s social media channels, Cllr Sankey said: “On Saturday far right agitators are planning to come to Brighton for an unpatriotic march to stir up division. My message to them is simple: don’t come.”

She emphasised that Brighton & Hove is “a proudly diverse city” where people of different backgrounds, faiths and identities “live side by side peacefully”. Highlighting the city’s long-standing reputation for tolerance, she added: “In Brighton & Hove difference is famously our strength.”

The council leader pointed to a number of factors underpinning that diversity, including the 108 languages spoken locally, the international make-up of Brighton & Hove Albion football club, and the fact that around 30% of schoolchildren come from global majority backgrounds.

Her comments come amid concerns among residents about the potential for unrest. Acknowledging these anxieties, Cllr Sankey said events of this nature can have a disproportionate impact on communities already facing discrimination or intimidation.

“To Brighton & Hove residents I recognise that events like this cause concern and can affect communities in different ways,” she said.

She confirmed that the council is working closely with community representatives to provide support and share information, and is liaising with Sussex Police as preparations are made for the weekend.

“The council is also working closely with Sussex Police to ensure they are planning to deploy appropriate resources to keep people safe and minimise disruption,” she added.

Cllr Sankey said her “priority is ensuring residents, communities and businesses are protected”, and urged people to remain vigilant and look out for one another.

Residents are being encouraged to report incidents promptly. In an emergency, people should call 999, while hate crime can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please look out for each other,” she said. “If you witness anti-social behaviour, a hate incident or crime please report it as soon as possible.”